Albert Magnoli

'Albert Magnoli' (qv) graduated from the Film School at the University of Southern California. While there he completed ten student films, culminating with his Thesis Film project _Jazz (1979)_ (qv), which he wrote, produced, edited, and directed. Focusing on the lives of three Los Angeles jazz musicians, "Jazz" went on to win 15 filmmaking awards in this country and abroad, including a Student Academy Award. The 23-minute film is listed in the 1983 edition of "The Encyclopedia Britannica" as "the most honored student film made in this country in the last twenty years."After graduation, Magnoli was asked to edit the MGM film _Reckless (1984)_ (qv), which was being directed by his former USC classmate, 'James Foley' (qv). While editing the film, rock star 'Prince' (qv) and his manager, 'Robert Cavallo' (qv), came looking for a director to helm 'Prince' (qv)'s feature film debut. Foley passed on the project, but suggested Magnoli. 'Prince' (qv) and Cavallo screened "Jazz" and offered the project to him. Magnoli went to 'Prince' (qv)'s hometown, Minneapolis, and sequestered himself in a hotel room for four weeks. There he researched and wrote the script for _Purple Rain (1984)_ (qv).As director, writer and editor, Magnoli delivered "Purple Rain" to the theaters eleven months later. The "Hollywood Reporter" described "Purple Rain" as "sensational and highly visual -- an accomplished and sophisticated example of storytelling." Released by Warner Bros. in 900 theaters, "Purple Rain" topped the box office in its first weekend, knocking _Ghostbusters (1984)_ (qv) from the #1 position. To date, "Purple Rain" has grossed over $125 million worldwide.Magnoli followed with the Lorimar-Columbia feature _American Anthem (1986)_ (qv) and directed the critically acclaimed concert film _Sign 'o' the Times (1987)_ (qv) for 'Prince' (qv). Magnoli was then commissioned to develop the sequel to "Purple Rain" for Warner Bros., which began a four-year association with 'Prince' (qv), culminating with Magnoli becoming 'Prince' (qv)'s manager and handling his personal and creative affairs for two years. The soundtrack album for _Batman (1989)_ (qv) was created during this union, and two #1 videos, "Batdance" and "Partyman", were written and directed by Magnoli to promote the "Batman" film and soundtrack.'Mark Canton' (qv) and 'Jon Peters' (qv) then asked Magnoli to take over the directing reins from 'Andrey Konchalovskiy' (qv) on _Tango & Cash (1989)_ (qv) starring 'Sylvester Stallone' (qv) and 'Kurt Russell' (qv). The $65-million film was behind schedule and over budget, and Magnoli was asked to begin shooting immediately. Four days later he arrived on the set, shot for 40 days and delivered the picture to the studio in time for a Christmas release just two months later. "Tango & Cash" was a commercial success, grossing over $150 million worldwide. Magnoli then directed _Born to Run (1993)_ (qv) for Fox Television, starring 'Richard Grieco' (qv). Filmed in just 24 days, the $3.4-million film was critically acclaimed.Magnoli then completed _Dark Planet (1997)_ (qv) a science-fiction film for producers 'John Eyres' (qv) and 'Barnet Bain' (qv) and the Sci-Fi cable channel. Starring 'Paul Mercurio' (qv), 'Harley Jane Kozak' (qv) and 'Michael York' (qv), "Dark Planet" was shot in 8 days with a budget of $800,000.00. Magnoli then directed "Deliverance", an episode of _Nash Bridges (1996)_ (qv) for CBS. He then wrote "Captain Blood," "World Without End," "The Taken," "Johnny Blackout" and "Primal Scream."::'Albert Magnoli' (qv)